Introduce Me: Get to Know 5 Canadians Defining the Sound of 2018

January 25, 2018

Welcome to the latest edition of “Introduce Me” (catch up on the first six here), where we present 5 new artists that you should be listening to. For the last edition, I decided to switch it up and focus on 5 new artists — all from the UK, all helping to define the sound of 2018. So today we’re traveling to Canada to get to know 5 emerging artists ahead of the game. Get familiar. Jump to the bottom for the complete playlist.

1. A L L I E (Toronto, Ontario)

I recently discovered a l l i e and I’m so grateful that I did! Her debut album, Nightshade, was released in July and features collabs with some of Canada’s hottest talents including Charlotte Day Wilson (who we’ll get to next). Her distinct sound of R&B is very refreshing and is delivered in very creative ways. I’m in love with the entire album; the production and vocals are on point. Definitely one to keep an eye on.

2. CHARLOTTE DAY WILSON (Toronto, Ontario)

Also based in Toronto, Wilson is probably the most genre-defying artist on this list. She’s been compared to Sade and fellow Torontonian Daniel Caesar, and at times her sound is bluesy, sometimes folksy, and always soulful. If that sounds like an interesting yet difficult feat, it is. But Wilson is able to pull it off. Her debut EP, CDW, was released in 2016 and she continues to make waves this year with the release of her music video for “Work“, released just after the Women’s March, and more recently is featured on a track off of Daniel Caesar’s debut album and released her latest single, the mesmerizing “Doubt” (below), at the end of last year. We can’t wait to hear more from this rising star.

3. BLAISE MOORE (Toronto, Ontario)

Her debut EP, Laurence (which is named after the ex-boyfriend that fucked her over), garnered a lot of attention, especially with the release of the music video for “Friends” which went viral. Soon after, Moore was signed by Interscope Records. Sometimes it really pays to write brutally honest songs about your ex.

I recently discovered Moore and I’ve been hooked ever since. Definitely one to watch in 2018. Press play if you’re into moody, atmospheric alt-pop. Especially bangin’ if you enjoy Sinead Harnett, Bibi Bourelly, or Sabrina Claudio. We can’t wait to hear what’s next for Blaise Moore.

4. RALPH (Toronto, Ontario)

I love Ralph’s synth-pop-disco vibes and emotive vocals. If you’re thinking ‘Yeah, I’ve heard that before’ I suggest you listen to Ralph- there’s something quite unique that separates her from the rest; I think it’s her ability to get me dancing even when I’m trying to keep it cool. I have to dance and sing along when a Ralph song comes on.

5. M.I. Blue (Toronto, Ontario)

Couldn’t find out too much about M.I. Blue so I’ll let the music speak for itself. Listen to any track and you’ll see why she’s one of the most exciting new artist discoveries I’ve made. Check out the music video for “Silver Kettle“, directed by M.I. Blue herself and Sydné Barnes, and you’ll notice that she’s also a gifted filmmaker. We’re very excited that an artist like M.I. Blue is helping to shape the musical renaissance currently happening in Toronto.

Especially bangin’ if you enjoy a l l i e, and just really good R&B and soul.

Introduce Me: A Growing Playlist Featuring the Best New Artists from Around the World

Damn, Toronto! You are really bringing it in regards to new artists that are the future of pop and R&B music and we thank you. Click the link above to listen to the Spotify playlist and be sure to click “Follow”, as we’ll be updating the playlist constantly with heaps good bangers from emerging artists!

Much love,

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